The day after Thanksgiving is the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. It’s garnered the nickname Black Friday – allegedly because it’s the day when retailers enter their big profit making period (they go from being “in the red” to “in the black”). Black Friday is notorious for stores opening REALLY early and for humongous sales. It’s chaotic and (In Our Humble Opinion) nerve-wracking and simply not worth the discounts (typically on stuff we don’t need/want/care about anyway). But we know some very nice people who really get into Black Friday, enjoying the thrill of snagging those great deals.
Others participate in Buy Nothing Day (tag line: Participate by not participating!). We’ve adopted a tradition for the day after Thanksgiving that’s closely associated with BND – we call it Buy Nothing But Socks Day. We trip over to Fred Meyer mid-morning and load up on enough half-price socks to last until the next BNBSD. That’s it.
There’s another possible way to commemorate the day after Thanksgiving. And everyone is welcome to participate. It’s called the National Day of Listening. On Nov. 27, people across the country are encouraged to set aside just one hour to record a conversation with someone important to them. While most of us would choose our parents, grandparents or another older relative, it could be anyone.
This is only the second year of this national effort but I, for one, strongly hope that it catches on. I think it’s the type of activity that you just can’t go wrong participating in. Get the kids involved – the Web site has suggested questions to ask and lots of other information.
You’ll be SO glad you did! I speak from experience: At least a decade ago, maybe more, I sat down with my parents and taped an interview with them. My intent was to have a string of these conversations in which they would recall their lives more or less chronologically. But, as so often happens, I got busy – you know the drill: kids, work, volunteering, dishes…
Both of my parents passed away last year. I will always regret not completing that effort. But I am forever grateful that I have that one tape.
Visit www.nationaldayoflistening.org for more information.
November 25th, 2009 | Category: Metro Parent
